Zoo Biology BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): C300 / C303
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time or four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This course represents a unique opportunity for you to study a wider range of species than those covered in traditional animal science degrees. Your learning will focus on the biology of exotic species, namely non-domestic and non-UK wildlife. Your lectures will cover major scientific principles, including anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, ecology and nutrition. You’ll apply these principles to the management and conservation of zoo species.
Which course is right for you?
We offer four animal science degrees, each with a different focus:
- BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology (this course) - focuses on captive housed zoo animals and exotic species.
- BSc (Hons) Animal Biology - focuses on managed domestic species such as companion, working and farm animals.
- BSc (Hons) Zoology - covers a diverse range of invertebrate and vertebrate species in relation to their biology, evolution, taxonomy and identification.
- FdSc Animal Science - is more vocational, with greater emphasis on practical and applied skills.
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You will have access to our modern on-campus Animal Unit which houses around 250 animals of 70 different species. -
We're ranked first in the UK for teaching quality in Animal Science courses (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024). -
NTU is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). We are also a teaching provider for Species 360s’ animal record keeping system: Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). -
We're ranked third in the UK for Animal Science students who are positive about the assessment and feedback on their course (full-time first degrees, National Student Survey 2023).
What you’ll study
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Careers and employability
Your future career
Developed in conjunction with representatives from industry, the course is designed to maximise your potential in a broad range of animal-related careers.
These include various roles within zoos both in the UK and abroad, working in areas such as conservation education, research, and zookeeping.
Our graduates have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- London Zoo
- Department for Conservation for New Zealand
- Huntingdon Animal Research Life Sciences.
94% of our BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees
(of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
You could also progress on to postgraduate study.
Placement opportunities
You’ll also be encouraged and supported to gain important and relevant industry experience at appropriate organisations throughout the course.. Our students have previously been based at organisations such as welfare organisations or feed manufacturers.
Students have carried out placements at companies such as:
- Woburn Safari Park
- Bristol Zoo
- Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust: Paignton Zoo
- Dao Tien Endangered Primate Centre (Vietnam)
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey)
- UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve (South Africa).
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement. Remember to mention any relevant work experience.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Advice on writing a good personal statement
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